Our most recommended things to do in Berat

From Tirana: Berat City UNESCO Heritage and Belshi Lake Tour

1. From Tirana: Berat City UNESCO Heritage and Belshi Lake Tour

Embark on a cultural and artistic pilgrimage. See master painter Onufri's work in the churches of Berat. Visit Berat Castle, Onufri Museum, Mangalemi and Gorica neighborhoods, and Gorica bridge. Meet your guide at your hotel and start the tour of Berat city. Berat is one of the most visited and characteristic towns in Albania. It is under the protection of UNESCO and considered a World Heritage site due to its unique architecture. Visit Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum. The Berat castle is of particular interest because people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, just like their ancestors did for centuries. Explore this fortress overlooking the town of Berat and its many Byzantine churches. The castle used to have over 40 churches of which 7 still remain today, including the Church of the Dormition of St Mary. The latter was converted into Onufri Museum, honoring the 16th-century Albanian master painter who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece. Witness some of the most beautiful shades of red and gold you have ever laid eyes on in the museum. Then, continue to your next stop in the old quarters of Mangalemi and Gorica that connect with each other by the Gorica Bridge over the Osumi River. On the way back you will visit Belshi, a very small town, with a small lake in front of the buildings.

Berat: Osum Canyon and Bogove Waterfall Tour

2. Berat: Osum Canyon and Bogove Waterfall Tour

Experience the natural beauty of Osum Canyon and Bogove Waterfall with our guided tour. Our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to this hidden gem of Albania. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to stop at several viewpoints to take pictures of the breathtaking canyon. You will also walk on top of the canyons to enjoy the magnificent views. Our tour includes a hike through Bogove National Park, where you will have the chance to swim in the cold crystal waters of the stunning Bogove waterfall. You will also make a stop in Polican, a small town founded during the communist time to produce weapons and learn about its history. The tour is customizable to your interests and preferences. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch Please note that during the dry season from July to September, we can make a short exploration of the canyon. However, in the other months, it is not possible to explore the canyon, and the tour will focus on sightseeing. Get ready to discover the natural beauty of Albania and create unforgettable memories with our Osum Canyon and Bogove waterfall tour! Meet with the tour guide in Berat and transfer to Osum Canyon On the way to the canyon stop in Polican a town founded during the communist time to produce weapons Proceed the journey to the canyons – Stop in the viewpoints and learn more about some popular legends Take your time to swim On the way back to Berat visit Bogove waterfall Fresh up with the cold waters of the waterfall Return to Berat in the late afternoon

From Tirana: Kruja Castle, Old Bazaar & Sari Salltik Tour

3. From Tirana: Kruja Castle, Old Bazaar & Sari Salltik Tour

Join a guided tour of Kruja city to explore all its iconic attractions. Visit Kruja Castle, Skanderbeg’s Museum, National Ethnographic Museum, the Old Bazaar, and Sari Salltik Cave. Meet your guide at 9 AM in the hotel lobby. Start your tour at the Castle of Kruja, which houses Skanderbeg’s Museum. It was the epicenter of the legendary Albanian resistance to the Ottomans, led by national hero Skanderbeg in the 15th century. See a copy of the helmet and the sword of Scanderbeg in the main hall, and the flags and stems of prominent families of that time who supported the national hero. Continue to the National Ethnographic Museum, containing a diversity of everyday objects from all eras of Berat's history. Gaze at original murals, ceilings carved in wood, rare furnishings, old-style rugs, and traditional costumes from 250 years ago. Inside the house is a steamy Turkish bath, one of the only ones left in Albania. The museum also has 1,200 objects that are living proof of ancient Albanians’ lifestyle and traditions. After soaking in the culture and history, discover the current arts and crafts in the Old Bazaar. Look for souvenirs, including intricate local handicrafts. Finally, pay a visit to the holy site of Sari Salltik. Head to this cave located on the edge of a mountain 1176 meters high. Afterward, head back to Tirana.

From Tirana: Berat Day Tour

4. From Tirana: Berat Day Tour

Depart for Berat at 8:30 am and you will be transferred to this beautiful city for around 2.5 hours. This is one of the oldest cities and the pride of Albanian architecture. The three major neighborhoods of the old city are Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala where the castle itself is located. You will start our tour with the castle area. Visiting the 'Kala' involves a steep walk up a cobbled path, but those who make it to the top will be rewarded with a fine view of the surrounding area. You will visit the Museum of Iconography 'Onufri' which bears the name of the renowned fresco and icon-painter Onufri, who has left a rich inheritance. This museum is located within the cathedral of St. Mary’s Assumption. You will also visit the Red Mosque, recognized by its lonely minaret and St. Trinity Church. After the fortress you will visit the Mangalemi quarter and the National Ethnographic Museum. This museum is located in one of the most characteristic and interesting houses of the town, a rich assemblage of traditional objects (more than 1000) and is one of the greatest examples of Berat’s long history and culture. Across the Osumi River lies the Gorica neighborhood, whose houses face those of Mangalemi. The arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument constructed to link Gorica with Mangelemi. Enjoy some free time to stroll on the bridge. After the tour, there will be optional lunch in a restaurant with traditional cuisine (at extra cost) Return to Tirana.

Berat Cooking Class

5. Berat Cooking Class

Immerse yourself in a unique culinary experience by joining our cooking class hosted by an Albanian family living inside the historic Berat Castle. Step into the enchanting world of Albanian cuisine as you embark on a gastronomic journey like no other. Our exclusive cooking class offers a rare opportunity to learn traditional recipes handed down through generations while enjoying the warm hospitality of a local family. We will meet at our office which is located close to the old town then proceed on our journey to Berat castle. Under the guidance of your hosts, who are passionate about preserving their culinary heritage, you'll get hands-on experience preparing authentic Albanian dishes. The dishes you’ll prepare might include local specialties such as Tave Kosi (a lamb and yogurt casserole), and Fërgesë (a traditional Albanian dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese). The dishes are subject to availability we will inform you before about the dishes.At the end of the class, you’ll have the chance to sit down and enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, along with a glass of local wine or raki Beyond the cooking itself, this experience goes beyond the kitchen. Engage in delightful conversations with your hosts, who will eagerly share stories about their family, culture, and the history of Berat Castle. You'll gain insight into the local way of life, customs, and traditions, creating memories that extend beyond the taste buds. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Berat Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cooking class offers a truly immersive and authentic Albanian experience. Join us for a day of culinary exploration, cultural exchange, and warm hospitality that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the rich traditions of Albania.

Classic wine tasting tour of Berat

6. Classic wine tasting tour of Berat

Embark on a classic wine-tasting tour of Berat, and indulge in the region’s finest wines. Our friendly driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to one of the top wineries in the region. Upon arrival, you will meet one of the family representatives, who will take you on a guided tour of the winery and explain the winemaking process. You will have the opportunity to taste four different types of wine, carefully selected by the winery. To enhance your wine-tasting experience, you will also sample one type of raki, a traditional Albanian brandy, and local snacks that perfectly complement the wine. The total length of the experience is approximately 2.5 – 3 hours, giving you ample time to fully appreciate and savor the wines. Once the tasting is complete, our driver will return you to your hotel in Berat. Please note that the price is for one winery and we can choose from several options including Luani, Cobo, Alpeta, Pupa, and Nurellari, depending on your preferences. However, please keep in mind that the wineries are subject to availability.

From Tirana or Durres: Berat, Durres, Elbasan in a Day Trip

7. From Tirana or Durres: Berat, Durres, Elbasan in a Day Trip

We will depart from Tirana or Durres at 8:00 am. First, we will visit Durres Castle and the Amphitheater of Durres. Durrës Castle walls are the fortified part of the old city of Durrës. The city walls were built in the late 5th century, and repaired and reinforced in the Middle Ages. The Amphitheater of Durres, is surely one of the greatest pieces of ancient architecture in Albania, if not the Balkans. It was built in 100AD by Hadrian and was only rediscovered in the 1960s. It was used for about 300 years and back then it could have as many as 18,000 spectators. Next, we will visit Berat City, Gorica Bridge, and Mangalem Quarter, from where you will pass by the Gate of Pasha, The King Mosque, The Helvetia Tekke, and the Inn. For those who feel fit well to walk on the cobbled narrow streets of the town, the Castle of Berat, apart from being one of the biggest inhabited in Albania, represents a unique combination of different styles and epochs, such as Roman, Byzantine, Albanian, and Ottoman. At the end, we will go and visit Elbasan's historical sights, its ancient Castle and Basilica. Elbasan city community took part in the spread of Christianity along the Via Egnatia, which used to connect Rome with Constantinople, had a bishop, cathedral, and basilicas as early as the fifth century. You will learn more during the sightseeing... We will reach Tirana by 6:00 p.m.

Berat: Historic City Walking-Tour

8. Berat: Historic City Walking-Tour

Walk through the historic city of Berat and discover its rich culture and architecture on this illuminating 2-3 hour tour. After a short introduction from your guide, you will proceed to Berat's new bridge from there you will enjoy the views of the ancient quarters of Mangalam and Gorica. Travel back in time as you stroll through the meandering streets, home to the Ottomans in the 15th century, and learn more about the architecture of this "town of a thousand windows". Visit the iconic Medieval. Discover more about the relationship between Albania's religious groups. Climb up to the magnificent Castle of Berat. Marvel at the fort and witness the monuments and treasures inside.

From Tirana: Private Berat City Tour and Wine Tasting

9. From Tirana: Private Berat City Tour and Wine Tasting

Depart for Berat at 9:00 am and you will be transferred to this beautiful city for around 2 hours. First we will start the tour with the castle area, and we will be piercing through old stones houses on a nice walk on a cobbled path, until we reach “Onufri” iconographic museum. The Cathedral of Shën Mëria houses a museum of works by the famous iconographers of the 16th century: Onufri, and his son, Nikolla. There are over 100 icons on display. We will continue walking in the narrow cobbled paths, and do a quick stop for a coffee in one of the old houses and interact with locals. We will continue our walk with beautiful sightseeing of old churches and mosques accompanying us. We will reach the view-point, where you can see clearly the two other neighborhoods: Mangalem and Gorica from the top view, the beautiful Osumi river piercing through and the high mighty mountains. After the fortress we will go on the old Mangalem neighborhood, until we reach the old plaza of the city. We will continue our walk by the river towards the Gorica bridge, and have an amazing view of Gorica neighborhood. This will be the end of the city tour, and there will be an optional lunch in a restaurant with traditional cuisine. Afterwards we will drive to “Cobo” winery, one of the best wineries in Albania where you will have a wine tasting of their finest wines with appetizers. After the wine tour, we will start heading back to Tirana.

From Berat: Osumi Canyons Hiking Tour with Lunch

10. From Berat: Osumi Canyons Hiking Tour with Lunch

You will visit Osum canyon on the Osum River, where you will have the opportunity to take short walks with stops to take photographs and admire the most suggestive views along its stretch of 26 km. Here the rapids of the Osum River are class II, which means there is no great danger. Arranging your bags safely, you will proceed to explore the second part of the canyon, where you will have the opportunity to swim or bathe in natural pools and waterways. During the entire route you will have the opportunity to admire the edges of the canyon and their particular ecosystem. Along the sides of the gorge, Mediterranean bushes and shrubs thrive all year round. They mix with the particular rock formations that the erosion of water and wind has created over millions of years.

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What people are saying about Berat

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 96 reviews

It was a fantastic day. Our guide Ilir was kind, helpful and very knowledgeable and accompanied us with competence and sympathy throughout the journey. Berat is an incredible place and must be visited if you visit Albania. Highly recommended

He was a good guide and a good group. Berat is worth visiting and from Tirana you need to go by car, so this is the best option. The explanations were very good and so was the chosen route.

Illyria is an excellent guide, very knowledgeable about Albania's landmarks, as well as the history and heritage behind them. Highly recommended, and would tour with him again.

It was interesting journey trought the Albania. We like hotels where we stay. Our guide was very nice young men and tell us lot of Albania. We recomend the trip.

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and informative about Albanian history and modern day life.